Chapter 303

Adrian Roland suddenly realized something, his Adam's apple bobbing twice. "Benjamin."

"Yes, young master?"

"Tonight's dessert soup..."

"Sweet fermented rice balls with goji berries and red dates." Benjamin smiled knowingly. "Don't worry, it's just regular dessert tonight."

Stella Valentine's tense shoulders finally relaxed.

Last night's spiked pear soup had forced Adrian to dig his fingers into his wounded arm just to stay conscious. If it happened again...

Her gaze flickered to the bloodstained bandage on his right hand.

"Don't fret, little star," Benjamin whispered. "The old master specifically instructed—last night's dosage..." He glanced at their exhausted expressions and chuckled. "Seems it was too strong."

Stella's ears burned.

Adrian remained impassive. "Thank you, Benjamin."

"Anything for you two! This old bones would brew soup every day if it makes you happy!"

From the kitchen came Luna's sweet voice: "Grandpa Benjamin, can I have one more sugar?"

"Coming!" Benjamin hurried off. "Don't touch the stove, little one! Hot-hot!"

The childish repetition made Stella stifle a laugh.

"Benjamin's parenting skills," Adrian murmured, "have improved since my childhood."

"Did he baby you like this too?"

"Me?" Adrian shook his head. "I was too wild. Got spanked often."

"Benjamin spanked you?"

"Tag-team discipline." Nostalgia flickered in his eyes. "Back then, I wished for a sibling."

Stella's smile froze. "You... really wanted that?"

"Mm. Preferably an older brother." His gaze grew distant. "Someone to share the burden." Abruptly, his tone shifted. "Stella, about that car accident..."

"What about it?"

"There are inconsistencies." His brow furrowed. "I'll tell you once I verify them."

They wordlessly ignored the newly changed lock, entering the bedroom one after another.

"You shower first." Adrian lifted his injured hand. "Can't get this wet."

"Where's the first aid kit?"

"Downstairs." He lowered his voice. "Don't let Grandfather know."

Stella nodded, but he stopped her as she turned.

"Wear my shirt." He gestured to the closet. "All clean."

The sparse wardrobe revealed its owner rarely stayed here. Stella's fingers brushed a white dress shirt, recalling how she'd refused his jacket earlier.

"I'll use a towel as padding," she said softly.

Only when the shower turned on did Adrian unclench his right hand.

The knife wound glared angrily, blood and sweat soaking through the bandage. He wiped it with tissues, a bitter smile twisting his lips.

That bastard Wang had struck hard.

Had he arrived a second later, William Rubenstein might've been dead. And Stella... His chest tightened at the thought.

Mr. Alistair would always be her forbidden scar.

The water stopped.

Stella emerged in his shirt, damp hair clinging to her shoulders. The strategically placed towel revealed only a slender neckline.

"Are the children asleep?"

Adrian listened. "Yes."

"I'll get the first aid kit." She turned, but his grip tightened around her wrist.

"Stella." His voice roughened. "Why that shirt?"

It was the same style he'd worn when they first met.

Her lashes fluttered. "...Coincidence."

The first aid kit gleamed faintly in the dark downstairs. She tiptoed down, unaware of the man watching his bloodied palm with darkened eyes.

Mr. Alistair's thorn would be plucked out—by his own hands.